Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are just about to take their toll on your home and yard. Knocking out a few essential fall chores now can help protect these spaces from the wear and tear that comes with winter. The good news? You don't need to tackle everything in one weekend. Use our fall yard checklist to work through the tasks that make the most impact before winter arrives.
☐ Protect Outdoor Faucets and Put Away Hoses
Protecting outdoor plumbing before the first hard freeze should be high on every fall home maintenance checklist. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water, then store them in a garage or shed where they’re protected from the elements. If your home has interior shutoff valves for outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply and drain the lines. Once the faucet is drained, add an insulated faucet protector to give outdoor spigots an additional layer of insulation from freezing temperatures.
☐ Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning gutters is one of those fall chores that’s tempting to put off, especially when the leaves keep falling. But waiting too long can create big problems once winter weather arrives: Leaves, twigs, and other debris can block the flow of water through your gutters and downspouts, and when all that water has nowhere to go it can overflow, freeze, and form ice dams — heavy sheets of ice that can cause expensive damage to your roof. Start by removing all the gunk that’s built up in your gutters (our gutter scoop makes this messy job a little easier) and checking that downspouts are clear, then add gutter guards and downspout screens to keep water flowing.
☐ Give Your Lawn One Last Look
Grass doesn’t need the same attention it did during the summer, but fall is still an important time for basic lawn care. Continue mowing until grass growth slows and apply fertilizer one last time to help build strong roots before winter. Fall is also a great time to add seed to bare spots so new grass has a chance to get established before winter. A heavy layer of leaves on your lawn can block sunlight and trap moisture, which may leave grass looking scraggly when spring arrives. Throughout the season, rake leaves regularly or use a mulching mower to chop them into small pieces that break down and return nutrients to the soil.
☐ Clear Leaves From Patios and Walkways
Leaf removal shouldn’t be limited to the lawn. All those colorful autumn leaves can quickly pile up on patios, walkways, driveways, decks, and other hard surfaces, too, creating dangerous slippery surfaces. Sweep or blow leaves off patios, decks, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces regularly.
☐ Clean Up Garden Beds and Outdoor Spaces
Your yard doesn’t have to be perfectly pristine to be prepared for winter. In fact, leaving behind some leaves and plant material can actually improve your soil and protect wildlife. The key is knowing where cleanup is helpful and where leaving nature alone makes sense. In garden beds, remove diseased plants, rip out annuals that are done for the season, and prune any perennials that need a trim. Clear piles of fallen leaves and branches from areas where they could smother plants or trap excessive moisture, but leave some leaves under trees and in garden beds to provide food and shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
☐ Clean and Inspect Your Deck
If you’ve got an outdoor deck you probably used it as an extended living space all summer long. Before winter arrives, take a few minutes to give this hardworking space a little TLC. Sweep or blow leaves, dirt, and debris from the surface and between deck boards, and check for loose boards, popped nails, damaged railings, or other wear-and-tear damage. If your deck is made from wood planks, pay attention to the condition of the protective finish: If water soaks into the wood instead of beading up on the surface your deck may be overdue for a fresh coat of stain and sealer.
☐ Prep Your Patio Furniture
Before the weather turns, tuck your outdoor furniture, rugs, umbrellas, and other decorative items in for a long winter’s rest. Power wash or hose everything off to remove dirt, pollen, leaves, and other debris that built up over the summer. Once everything has dried, move cushions and other fabric items to a dry location. If you don't have space to bring furniture indoors, invest in covers designed to protect pieces from rain and snow.
☐ Check Outdoor Lighting
As the days get shorter, outdoor lighting becomes more important. Replace burnt out bulbs and wipe down glass covers, and if you use solar lights clean the panels and make sure they are positioned where they can receive as much sunlight as possible during shorter fall and winter days.
